What Is Red Sage?

When you're dealing with a
serious, chronic issue, there are countless alternative and complementary
medicines that claim to be able to manage symptoms. Are any of them right for
you? Danshen, sometimes called red sage, has been used for centuries to help
treat a wide range of medical concerns, from high cholesterol to type 2
diabetes. There's some evidence that it's more than just an old wives’ tale.

Did You Know?

Danshen is called “red” sage because of the color of its roots.

Danshen is a powerful herb with a lot of wonderful
qualities that could improve your health. It may even be the first traditional
Chinese remedy to gain approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
and is currently going through trials. Most studies so far have been conducted
on rats and weren't high quality enough to be conclusive, but researchers
believe the herb shows promise.

The Heart

Most traditional uses for danshen are related to heart-related
problems like angina, myocarditis, and heart attacks. The studies
that have been conducted so far haven't been conclusive, but they're
promising. If your doctor approves of you taking the herb, you may find that it
helps alleviate chest pains. However, you shouldn't rely on it solely. Make
sure you're considering all aspects of your medical needs before incorporating
it into your regimen.

Diabetes

Several studies suggest that danshen can help
protect you against some of the secondary concerns associated with diabetes,
like diabetic retinopathy, or eye disease. One recent study
found that using danshen-dripping pills helped improve visual function in
people with diabetic retinopathy.

The Liver

When taken in pill form, red sage has also been
shown to be effective in liver
regeneration in rats. It might do the same for people with severe liver
damage. If you suffer from cirrhosis or other serious liver issues and are in
need of treatment, ask your doctor if this herb could help you.

Where Can I Find Red Sage?

You can find danshen in capsule form, as a tincture,
and sometimes as a tea. But don't confuse it with the sage you have in your
spice drawer. Red sage is very different from the white sage you probably use
for cooking.

Since danshen hasn't gone through FDA approval,
there is no agreed-upon safe dose. Check with your doctor to see how much you should
take or if there are any drug interactions you need to be mindful of. For
example, it has an anti-clotting property, so you probably shouldn’t take it if
you’re on blood thinners. Most medications for anxiety and depression could
make you sleepy when mixed with danshen.

Common pain relievers and warfarin can react
negatively with red sage, too. Be sure to avoid it if you're taking these, or
if you're pregnant or nursing. The side effects can be serious, like bleeding
or lowered blood pressure.

Danshen could be a really positive addition to your
existing care plan if you introduce it carefully and keep all factors in mind. As
with any supplement, make sure to talk with your doctor before taking this herb
and stick to the prescribed amount your doctor recommends.

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